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District of Columbia Republican Committee adopts inclusive party platform

On Thursday, the District of Columbia Republican Committee adopted its party platform in the lead-up to the Republican National Convention that takes place in Tampla, Florida from August 27-30. The platform includes pro-gay language that says "everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect," making the DC Republican Committee the first GOP state committee to draft an inclusive resolution.

The full statement, which appears under a "Family and Marriage" headline, reads:

We, the Republicans of the District of Columbia, support the belief that all individuals, without regard to sexual orientation, are entitled to full and equal protection under the laws and the Constitution and that everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

The statement is similar to language proposed by Robert Turner II, president of the DC chapter of the Log Cabin Republicans. In a press release from Log Cabin Republicans, Turner said, "We are excited to be a part of a state party who understands that inclusion wins! Marriage equality is settled law here in the District. All citizens, including LGBT citizens, should be treated equally."

The District of Columbia is already a freedom to marry jursidiction. But this development demonstrates a growing realization by even conservatives in the United States that loving and committed same-sex couples deserve the protections that marriage affords. Freedom to Marry applauds the DC Republican Committee for serving as a trailblazer in the Republican party by being the first state party platform to embrace fair treatment of same-sex couples.